UNDER REVISION.

ORGANIZATION AND BYLAWS
Ferret Lovers' Club of Texas

ARTICLE 1: DEFINITIONS & PURPOSE

1. The name of this organization shall be The Ferret Lovers' Club of Texas, referred to here-in as “FLC-TX”, “the club”, or “the association”.

2. "Ferret" or "Domestic Ferret" as used herein and in all FLC-TX publications shall refer to the Domestic European Ferret (Mustela putorius furo or Mustela furo). Any other species of hybrid will be called by its proper name, with scientific classification if possible.

3. The primary area served will be the greater Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex in the state of Texas. Areas served secondarily may be selected by the membership on a case-by-case basis from the state of Texas or adjacent states.

4. FLC-TX is an association of natural persons for social and recreational purposes. These persons include, but are not limited to, ferret enthusiasts and owners, veterinarians, shelters, and breeders of ferrets. The organization consists of Officers and Members, and may form committees as needed to conduct club business.

5. FLC-TX is a social organization devoted to the enjoyment of ferrets as pets and to enhancing the welfare and quality of life of the ferret. The general goal is to share our experiences with ferrets and to educate ourselves and others the membership recommends on the care, health and welfare of the species. Selection of specific activities that promote the pet ferret is entirely at the discretion of the officers and membership of the club and may vary over time. The club operates in a not-for-profit manner.

6. In furtherance of these purposes, FLC-TX shall provide an educational, informational, and social environment for ferret enthusiasts.

a. Provide at least 6 meetings per year to be announced via mailed notices or internet communications.

b. Provide a club phone number with voice-mail and/or voice information.

c. Maintain a web site and/or an electronic mailing list.

8. The Association shall have any and all powers granted to it by the Texas Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act of 1995 and all other statutes and other laws of the State of Texas applicable to unincorporated nonprofit associations.

ARTICLE 2: MEMBERSHIP & VOTING

1. Membership to FLC-TX is open to the public, including any individual or organization, regardless of age, gender, race, creed, national origin, or political convictions.

a. Any individual member under 15 years of age must be sponsored by a family member or legal guardian over the age of 21.

b. Officers have the right to refuse any membership or to expel an existing member for reasonable cause. Anyone so refused is entitled to written explanation of the reasons for the refusal or termination. The judgment may be appealed within 10 days; otherwise, the termination will be final.

2. Members will pay annual dues to the club, at a fee rate determined by FLC-TX officers and published on membership forms in whatever medium is currently in use for FLC-TX documents. Each paid membership allows one vote per member. For purposes of Household memberships, each individual listed on the membership form is considered a member and allowed one vote.

a. Lifetime members pay a one-time fee and are exempt from further annual dues, but continue to hold voting rights.

b. Lifetime honorary members pay no fee and are exempt from further annual dues, but do not hold voting rights.

c. Veterinarians are exempt from annual dues, but are required to submit annual renewal information.

d. Approved shelters are exempt from annual dues, but are required to maintain approved status and submit annual renewal information. Documents detailing the shelter approval process are available upon request of the officers.

e. Fee structures shall not be changed more than once per calendar year.

f. Rebates of membership fees may be obtained on a pro-rated basis following receipt of a formal written letter of intent to withdraw and return of all membership materials.

3. Members are welcome at all business meetings to provide their viewpoints and insight. Members are welcome at all Executive Committee meetings, and can provide input but hold non-voting positions at this level.

4. Members shall be invited to assist Officers with duties necessary to the club operation, or serve on committees, or volunteer time for special projects.

5. Members have the following responsibilities and duties:

a. To provide and maintain a healthful, safe, and caring environment for ferrets, if an owner.

b. To uphold the principles and policies of FLC-TX, as set forth in these bylaws.

c. To conduct oneself and one's family in a dignified and courteous manner whenever representing FLC-TX or attending any FLC-TX event

d. To maintain a current membership by paying on or in advance of the renewal date of membership.

6. Members have the following rights:

a. To receive a membership card with the name of the individual indicating date of expiration that is 12 months from date of payment and membership application processing.

b. To receive discounts on FLC-TX show entries and FLC-TX products and services.

c. To attend and participate in all Member, Officer, and Committee meetings and special club events.

d. To provide (1) vote per paid member on issues presented to the membership at large for a vote.

e. To be included in all FLC-mailings.

f. To join in a petition to remove an officer.

g. To request to hold a position as an Officer or committee member.

h. To provide recommendations, commentary and other input regarding the operations of FLC-TX or its current projects.

7. Unless otherwise defined, issues put to the membership for vote are approved by a simple majority of the vote holding members present at any general business meeting. A quorum for such votes is defined any meeting at which there are at least 5 voting members in good standing in attendance.

8. Members of the Association are not personally liable for the debts , liabilities, and other obligations of the Association as provided for by Texas Statute. Further, Members of the Association shall not be personally liable for any tortious act or omission, or breach of contract of the Association. Members are protected from personal liability to the full extent of Texas Statute. (Including, but not restricted to, The Texas Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act of 1995.)

ARTICLE 3: OFFICERS

1. FLC-TX shall be managed by the Officers who will oversee and direct the ongoing functions of the organization. The officers as a group constitute the Executive Committee.

2. Selection and term: Each new officer shall be sponsored by an existing Officer and approved by the majority vote of the remaining officers. After approval, the officer will assume the position pro tem until the approval can be ratified by a majority of the voting membership. An Officer will serve until such time as he/she resigns or is removed by the membership.

3. Criteria for selection: Each officer will meet the following criteria:

a. Be a member in good standing of FLC-TX.

b. Be at least 18 years of age.

c. Be an active member (attending 80% of functions) at least 3 months prior to assuming office

d. Have been sponsored and approved by the Officers and accepted by the general membership at large.

e. Have not been convicted of any statutory violation involving animal abuse or mistreatment.

f. Be devoid of any conflict of interest which might hinder or negate the ability to function as an officer.

g. Have access to electronic mail.

4. Removal of an Officer will follow these guidelines:

a. A statement of cause signed by any 5 current members in good standing presented to one or more officers. The statement must include specifics as to why the officer should be removed.

b. The statement will be reviewed by officers at the following meeting. Petitioning members may attend and present their case.

c. If the cause is just and reasonable, the officer will be given the opportunity to resign or be placed on probation until the next meeting to correct the cause.

d. If the cause has been corrected after 30 days, as determined by both officers and petitioning members, the matter will be dropped. If dropped, the petitioning members can appeal to the general membership at large after 30 days for a 2/3 vote for Officer removal. If the cause has not been corrected, the officer will be suspended pending notification of membership and a majority vote of confidence.

5. The functions and duties of officers will be as follows. Any officer can be designated to perform those functions of the President in his/her absence or inability to perform the duties of the position:

a. President

· Acts as Chief Executive Officer of the Organization

· Has the authority to call meetings of any type

· Presides over all Executive Committee and member meetings

· Has final approval or issue authority over all publications carrying the FLC-TX name

· Sets the agenda for meetings

b. Vice-President

· Performs the functions of the President in his/her absence or inability to perform the duties of the position.

c. Secretary

· Maintains a record of all decisions, activities, and/or votes made at business meetings. This record will be made available for publication or to any member upon request.

· Maintain listings of members, other clubs, ferret owners, veterinarians, vendors, breeders, pet sellers, and shelters.

d. Treasurer

· Maintains a financial record of all financial transactions

· Receive and deposits monies in the FLC-TX designated financial institution

· Disburses FLC-TX funds in accordance with direction of the officers.

· Publishes a financial report no less than once per year

e. Officer-at-Large

· Provides a tie-breaker vote to Executive Committee votes.

· May fulfill any official club duty as assigned by the Executive Committee.

6. An Executive Committee quorum shall consist of at least 3 officers, one of which must be either the President or the Vice President .

7. A quorum of Executive Committee members as defined in Article 2, Section 7 is required to conduct any official FLC-TX business at any Executive Committee meeting. Any decision made by a majority of the Executive Committee at a meeting duly held while a quorum is present shall qualify as an act of the Executive Committee, unless prohibited by the Articles of Association, these By-laws, or federal or state laws.

8. The number of Officers may be changed at any time by amending these by-laws with a majority vote of the voting membership in attendance at a general meeting which announced such business as a topic.

9. Officers of the Association are not personally liable for the debts, liabilities, and other obligations of the Association as provided for by Texas Statute. Further, Officers of the Association shall not be personally liable for any tortious act or omission, or breach of contract merely because they are authorized to participate in the management of the affairs of the Association. Directors are protected from personal liability to the full extent of Texas Statute. (Including, but not restricted to, The Texas Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act of 1995.)

10. The Executive Committee is authorized to enter into and/or execute contracts for FLC-TX in the name of the Association. Such contracts and agreements must bear the signature of the President and the Secretary in order to make such contracts or agreements binding upon FLC-TX. Notwithstanding this proviso, neither the Executive Committee, nor its individual office holders may enter into any contract, pledge its credit, or cause the Association to be committed to any financial liability beyond the Associations ability to honor such obligations.

ARTICLE 4: MEETINGS AND EVENTS

1. General Meetings for Members

Shall be held no less than six times per year
Shall be open to all members and their guests in good standing
Shall follow an agenda
Shall be held at a place and time designated by officers
2. Business Meetings

Shall be held during each Social/Information/Education meeting as required or no less than 6 times per year
Are open to all members in good standing
Shall follow an agenda set by the president
Will review these bylaws at the first meeting of the calendar year
3. Executive Committee Meetings

a. Shall be held on an as-needed basis whenever there is more business than may be covered in a general meeting schedule or whenever called by the President.

b. Shall be open to all members in good standing, but without voting privileges.

c. Shall follow an agenda.

d. Shall be held at a place and time designated by the President.

4. Committee Meetings

Shall be held on an as-needed basis
Shall be presided over by the chair of that committee or a designate
Will make a report to officers
5. Social Events

Shall be a non-business related activity open to all members in good standing, their guests, and when appropriate, the general public
May also be a fundraising event.
6. Shows

Educational fairs or fun-match type shows (Ferret Olympics) may be offered.
7. Pet Fairs and Expos

The officers or membership may elect to send one or more representative to such events.
FLC-TX representatives at such events shall provide a report of the event to the membership.

ARTICLE 5: BUDGET AND TREASURY

FLC-TX shall operate as a non-profit organization.
Membership dues and donations shall be designated for operating expenses of the club.
Fundraising revenues (from merchandise sales, advertising fees, shows, and other events) shall be designated for additional operating expenses of the club and donations to charitable organizations supporting ferrets as voted by the vote holding membership of the club.
The Fiscal year for the Association shall be January 1st through December 31st of each year.
The Association is required to maintain in good standing, a secure, federally insured account in a Financial Institution that provides such services.
Any Member or Officer, under the direction of the Executive Committee, is to be reimbursed for all pre-approved legitimate expenses incurred in the name of FLC-TX.
All expenses up to seventy-five ($75) dollars require written approval from the Treasurer prior to incurring the expense. All expenses in excess of seventy-five ($75) dollars require written approval by the Executive Committee prior to incurring the expense.
Receipts for expenses incurred under Section 7 and 8 of this Article must be presented to the Treasurer for reimbursement.
The Treasurer will notify immediately any Member submitting a check that is returned or denied payment for any reason. The Treasurer is empowered to collect, on behalf of the Association, a fifteen dollar ($15) charge, in addition to any financial institution charge, for each check returned to FLC-TX due to insufficient funds.

Article VI: Supplemental Rules, Powers to Amend and Order of Business

Section 1. Rules and regulations to supplement these By-laws shall be devised as needed for the purpose of clarity and uniformity. Additions, deletions or changes may be made to said rules and regulations at any Executive Committee Meeting, after a simple majority vote of those Directors in attendance where a quorum is present. Rules and Regulations as allowed for in this proviso shall not conflict with, change the meaning of, or otherwise violate the spirit and letter of these By-laws or the Articles of Association. In all questions of authority, These By-laws shall take prescience over any rules or regulations so enacted.

Section 2. Rules and regulations as provided for herein will be in the form of announcements issued by the FLC-TX Secretary. These rules and regulations will be considered to be in force immediately upon receipt of said announcement.

Section 3. It is the responsibility of all Association Members and Executive Committee Members to read and understand any announcement issued by the FLC-TX.

Section 4. The Executive Committee is given full power to make, alter, amend or repeal any and all By-laws of the Association at any Executive Committee Meeting, after unanimous vote of those Directors in attendance where a quorum is present. This power may be exercised without prior notice to the Association of the Committees intention to so act. The Executive Committee may also effect this section by mail or e-mail, if circumstances so warrant. Such changes to the By-laws are effective immediately, but are subject to repeal at the next scheduled meeting of the Association by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the general assemblage where a quorum is present. Any proposed change to these By-laws not so enacted under this provision may be further brought before the membership for vote by mail and will be considered passed by a three-fourths affirmative vote of the total membership entitled to vote.

Section 5. These By-laws shall be reviewed annually by the General Secretary. He shall then submit a report of his findings to the Executive Committee, who may enact, as provided for in Section 4, or dismiss such changes as the General Secretary recommends.

Section 6. The Order of Business and/or procedures of any Association Meeting or Executive Meeting, or any subject not covered by these By-laws, or noted in Association Minutes shall be subject to "Robert's Rules of Order Revised" where applicable. Should there be a conflict between these By-laws and "Robert's Rules of Order Revised" in the matter of Order of Business and/or procedures, the latter shall prevail.

Section 7. If the provisions of these By-laws are in conflict with the FLC-TX Articles of Association, said Articles shall take precedence.

Section 8. If any provision of these By-laws is found to be invalid or unenforceable, for whatever reason, the remainder of the By-laws shall still be effective.

Section 9. In interpreting these Articles and all governing documents of the Association, the feminine gender shall be substituted for the masculine, the plural for the singular, and the single for the plural where such substitution is consistent with the context.